Program folder location.

Question

I recently got a new computer with windows 11. I was installing my music production software and some went into a hidden folder. I had to put %appdata% to see the location. Also, it seems to install multiples of the same program in different areas. What is going on?

Answer 1

Hi,

The installation folder is set by the app developer in the installer. Windows only provides the standard locations, but the developer decides where the app goes unless there’s an option to change it during setup. Apps are commonly placed in %appdata% when they’re user-specific, since settings, presets, and user data are usually stored there. In contrast, apps installed in Program Files usually contain the main executable files so they can be used by all users on the PC. Most apps place the core executable files in Program Files and stores user-specific data in %AppData%, which can give the impression of duplicate installs even though each folder serves a separate purpose.

Answer 2

When you install software on Windows, especially music production software, it often utilizes the %AppData% folder for storing user-specific data and settings. This folder is typically hidden by default, which is why you had to manually enter %appdata% to access it. The %AppData% directory is used to keep application data separate from the main program files, allowing for easier updates and management of user settings without affecting the core application.

As for multiple installations of the same program in different locations, this can occur due to how the software manages its files. Some applications may create separate instances or configurations for different user profiles or settings, which can lead to the same software appearing in various directories. Additionally, if the software is packaged as a virtualized application, it may use a private per-user, per-app location for its data, which can also contribute to this behavior.

In Windows 10 and later, including Windows 11, the operating system manages application data in a way that allows for state separation, meaning that modifications to files can be tracked and managed more effectively. This helps in reducing system clutter and ensures that applications can function correctly without interfering with each other.

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References:

• Understanding how packaged desktop apps run on Windows
• Planning to Use Folder Redirection with App-V (Windows 10/11)